FROM OUR EXPERTS

I have had similar symptoms when I have gas in addition to my reflux. When this happens I usually take Simethicone (e.g. Gas-X) and this really helps. But, it's important to know that your symptoms are often found with heart problems as well so you should have that ruled out by a doctor just to be sure. Plus, before taking any medication prescribed or over the counter you should talk to your doctor and let him know all medications you are taking.

Dr. Todd Eisner answers some questions readers have posted in the last few weeks. Find new information on natural remedies for heartburn, common reactions to GERD drugs and what coughing up blood could really mean.
1. Hi, I'm 25 years old & have recently been diagnosed with acid reflux . I've been put on omeprazole , which in my opinion has done nothing to help my symptoms , which are a tightness in my throat, pressure like swallowing a lump. Also in the past week I've begun to have severe pain in my abdomen right below the breast bone. Now the newest problem is a phlegmy cough I can't seem to get rid of. Any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong?
Acid reflux can be very difficult to treat and can cause many symptoms outside of the esophagus such as cough and throat pain, but the first thing you need to do is make sure that you have the correct diagnosis. The fact that you no longer have heartburn while taking omeprazole is a good indication that the heartburn was actual...

Generic Name: CIMETIDINE - ORAL Pronounced: (sye-MET-uh-deen) Heartburn Oral Uses
Cimetidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and
intestines and prevent them from coming back after they have healed. This
medication is also used to treat certain stomach and throat (esophagus)
problems caused by too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome,
erosive esophagitis) or a backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus
(acid reflux disease/GERD). Decreasing extra stomach acid can help relieve
symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent
cough, and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious acid damage to your
digestive system (e.g., ulcers, cancer of the esophagus).
Cimetidine belongs to a class of drugs commonly called H2
blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid in your
stomach.
This medication is also available without a prescription.
It is used to treat occasional heartburn...

Alternative Names
Back pain - nonspecific
Symptoms
Low back pain
Pain in any part of the back
Pain may radiate to the buttocks or upper leg(s)
Signs and tests
A physical examination focused on the back, the abdomen, and the extremities may confirm back pain or muscle spasm , but the examination does not reveal a specific cause (such as a herniated disk) or any neurological problem (such as weakness or change in sensation).
X-rays of the spine are usually normal. Further work-up may include a CT scan or MRI of the spine .

You should knowAnswers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition. Content posted by community members does not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media, which also reserves the right to remove material deemed inappropriate.